The 49ers are heading into tonight’s matchup with a few notable names sidelined, but they’re also getting some key reinforcements back on the field - a classic late-season shuffle as teams try to balance health and depth down the stretch.
Let’s start with what we know: rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall won’t suit up. He’s been dealing with knee and ankle issues and didn’t practice all week.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall was “close,” but ultimately not ready to go. The Niners will have to lean on their depth at wideout to fill the gap - not ideal, but not unfamiliar territory for this offense either.
They’ll also be without cornerback Renardo Green, who’s been ruled out with a neck injury. That’s a tougher blow considering the secondary is already thin, but San Francisco made a few moves to help patch things up.
One of those moves: activating veteran corner Eli Apple from the practice squad. Apple brings experience and familiarity with big-game moments, and while he’s not a long-term solution, he gives the 49ers another option on the perimeter. They also elevated linebacker Eric Kendricks, another seasoned pro who can provide leadership and depth in the middle of the defense.
The good news? Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos is back.
He’s been on injured reserve with a hamstring issue, but he’s officially active and ready to go. His return adds some juice to the defensive front, especially in pass-rush situations where his length and athleticism can be a problem for opposing lines.
Here’s the full list of 49ers inactives tonight: Pearsall, Green, defensive linemen Kevin Givens and Robert Beal Jr., running back Isaac Guerendo, cornerback Chase Lucas, and linebacker Curtis Robinson.
On the other side, the Colts are also dealing with their share of injuries. They’ll be without standout corner Sauce Gardner, who’s nursing a calf injury. That’s a significant absence in the secondary - Gardner’s been a lockdown presence when healthy, and his ability to take away one side of the field changes how offenses game plan.
Running back DJ Giddens and wide receiver Anthony Gould are also out, with Gould still recovering from a foot injury. Tight end Will Mallory, safety Reuben Lowery III, linebacker Jaylon Carlies, and offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (elbow) round out the Colts’ inactive list.
But like the 49ers, the Colts are getting a major piece back: defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been activated from injured reserve and will play. That’s a big-time boost for the interior of their defensive line. Buckner’s ability to disrupt both the run and the pass makes him a game-changer, and his presence could go a long way in slowing down San Francisco’s ground game.
Bottom line: both teams are walking the tightrope between health and performance, but the returns of Gross-Matos and Buckner could be pivotal. With playoff positioning on the line, every snap - and every healthy body - matters.